Life preserver cushion



' Aug. 20, 1957 0. ROSENBERG ETAL LIFE PRESERVER CUSHION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 19, 1954 I I INVENTORS Dal 1d jib/011.6 1?

A? 01111) Mi anda ATTORNEY Aug. 20, 1957 D. ROSENBERG ETAL 2,803,023

LIFE PRESERVER CUSHION Filed July 19. 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I INTENTORS flank {Pwwgfier 0; 501111 Mraaah J TTORNE I United States Patent 9 LIFE PRESERVER CUSHION --David Rosenberg, Bronx, and Louis Mirando, New York,

N. Y., assignors to The Holiday Line, Inc, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York The present invention relates to buoyant cushions especially designed and constructed to serve as life preservers; and, more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to a novel watertight filled cushion having means incorporated therewith so that the cushion can be adjusted for individual comfort when in use as a cushion, and, also, is readily available for use as a life preserver.

The usual life preserver cushion is stitched and manufactured from coated cloth. Moisture and rain seeps through the stitches making the filler damp, decreasing its buoyancy and making the cushion less effective as a life preserver. Straps on the known type of life preserver cushion are stitched, contributing to structural weakness. These prior art cushions must be dried after exposure to dampness or rain, and are, therefore, not always ready for life preserver use.

The present invention provides a life preserver cushion having many features of novelty which makes it readily available as a buoyant and safe life preserver. In addition, the cushion of this invention is comfortable when in use as a cushion and adds to the smart appearance of any vessel in which it is used.

In accordance with the present invention, a watertight plastic cushion is provided. This is accomplished by electronically welding all seams so that seamless construction, in effect, is achieved. The essential strap structure is fully adjustable, as will hereinafter appear, and is safely connected to the cushion in a permanent manner while not imposing tearing stresses on the cushion body. The cushion of the present invention is filled with kapok, for example, or other expansive material which is cellular and air-retaining. Admission of air is controlled by an air valve which is closed, normally, when the filler is fully expanded. In this condition, the cushion has maximum buoyancy. The air valve may be opened to adjust the cushion of this invention for individual comfort when used as a seat cushion. Excess air is released and the valve is closed. Opening and closing of the valve admits air and restores buoyancy.

It will be seen, therefore, that the principal object of the present invention is to provide a novel buoyant life preserver cushion having structural features and aifording the advantages outlined above.

Another object is to provide a watertight cushion having a welded and substantially unitary body.

A further object is to provide a life preserver cushion having a valve arrangement cooperating in a novel manner with the principal cushion structure.

A still further object is to provide a life preserver cushion having a valve arrangement cooperating in a novel manner with the principal cushion structure.

A still further object is to provide a life preserver cushion having a novel strap structure.

A still further object is to provide a life preserver cushion having a novel strap accommodating means.

Other and, perhaps, more specific objects will appear as ice the following description proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a pictorial view showing several suggested 'uses of a life preserver cushion embodying the present invention;

' Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of a life preserver cushion constructed in accordance with this invention;

Fig. 3 is a view in sectional elevation on line 33' of Fig. 2;

.Fig. 4 is a view in sectional elevation on line 4-4 of Fig. 2'; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the strap and strap retaining means in detail.

Referring to the drawing in detail, and for the present to Fig. 1, the cushion 10 (Fig. 2) of this invention is shown in use by the central seated figure 11 as a cushion. The air valve 14 will have been manipulated to release air to provide a comfortable seat. The figure 16 at the left shows use of the life preserver cushion by an injured person. The strap 18 is looped around the neck of the figure 16 and hangs freely in front. For thi purpose, the strap 13 projects entirely from one end of the cushion 10. The figure 20 at the right shows the usual use of the cushion 10 wherein each arm is thrust through a projecting strap loop. The cushion is worn somewhat like a knapsack. The figures 11, 16 and 20 are shown in a boat 21, each being protected in case of emergency.

The cushion 10 comprises a top part or panel 23, a bottom part or panel 24, and a substantially continuous side wall 26. The latter is or may be composed of a single strip with its free ends electronically welded to provide a continuous member. The electronic welding process is by now well known and is carried out by placing parts to be joined in a high frequency electric field existing between suitable electrodes. The panels 23 and 24 and wall 26 are cut from suitable material such, for example, as sheet plastic. A preferred material is Firestone Velon. This named material is available on the market and is capable of being electronically welded. This is in the nature of an extruded embossed vinyl plastic.

The top part 23 is welded along a seam 28 to the side wall. Similarly, the bottom part 24 is welded along a seam 29 to the side wall 26. These seams provide a completely Watertight structure. Prior to the final seamingoperation the filler 31 is placed in the body of the cushion. The preferred filler is 20 oz. blown new Java kapok.

The strap 18 is butt sealed or welded as at 33 to form a complete loop. The strap 18 is formed of extended embossed vinyl. It may also be made of Firestone Velon. A tunnel is provided at each side of the cushion 10 to slidably receive the strap 18. This is accomplished by providing pieces or strips 36 and 37 which are integrally joined at their edges during the welding process to the side wall 26 at the seams 28 and 29. This provides tunnels through which the strap 18 extends and is freely slidable.

The previously mentioned valve, indicated generally by reference character 14, is shown more in detail in Fig. '4. A commercially available valve may be used when constructing a cushion involving this invention. A suitable valve is a Halky-Roberts metal valve. The valve body is surrounded by a plastic sleeve 39. A backing sheet 41 of plastic underlies the valve and retains a wire screen 42. The valve is opened by unscrewing the knurled piece 43. It is closed by screwing in this knurled piece. When the valve is open, expansion of the filler draws in air. This gives maximum buoyancy which is retained by closing the valve. When the cushion 10 is to be used as a seat cushion, the valve is opened to vent out some of the air to provide a flatter cushion. After use as a cushion, the valve is opened to admit air and is then closed. The cushion 10 is then ready for use as a life preserver.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present invention provides a safe and efficient life preserver and,

also, a cushion of general utility. Life preserver cushions constructed in accordance with the present invention are approved for use by the authorities as life preservers.

The claimed invention is:

A life preserver cushion comprising a top part, a bottom part and a substantially continuous side wall, welded seams joining said parts to said side wall, a pair of 0ppositely disposed strips seam welded to said side wall to provide strap tunnels, a substantially continuous strap slidably received in said tunnels, and an air valve mounted in said side wall.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Bressler June 14, Bushman Mar. 6, Brown Jan. 2, Shaw Oct. 11, Crabtree Feb. 9, Bailhe Aug. 6, Brelsford Dec. 9,

FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Jan; 17, France Feb. 25, France Jan. 7, 

